The first lines of her novels often introduce key elements. For instance, they might introduce the setting which is vital for the plot. If it's a big mansion in a remote area, like in some of her works, it sets the stage for a closed - environment mystery. They can also introduce a character's state of mind which can be a driving force in the plot.
The Christmas settings create a sense of warmth and festivity at first. But then, the mysteries that unfold within this setting add a contrast. For example, in 'The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding', the Christmas party and the pudding are part of the cozy setting, but then there's a mystery to solve which creates an uneasy mood against the backdrop of celebration.
Quotes from her novels often add an air of mystery. For example, lines like 'Evil is not something superhuman, it's something less than human.' from one of her works set a dark and foreboding tone. They make the reader aware that there are hidden depths and secrets in the story.
Famous first lines often set the mood. For example, the first line of 'The Great Gatsby' - 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It gives a sense of reflection and sets a somewhat nostalgic mood. This mood stays throughout the novel as Nick Carraway looks back on the events of that summer.
The settings, like the old mansions, contribute by having many hidden nooks and crannies. A character can disappear into a secret passage, creating an instant mystery. For example, in some of her novels set in large estates, the sprawling layout means there are places where the body can be hidden easily. This makes it hard for the detective to piece together what happened.
Well, in many novels, the plot line directly reflects the theme. For example, in 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, the plot where the pigs gradually take over and become as corrupt as the humans they once rebelled against is a clear illustration of the theme of power corrupting. The plot developments show how the ideals of the revolution are betrayed.
The settings are integral to the atmosphere. Take a manor house, for instance. The creaking floorboards, the large, shadowy rooms, and the old - fashioned decor all contribute to a feeling of mystery. The fact that these settings are often in a bygone era, with different social hierarchies and etiquettes, adds an extra layer. The characters are bound by these settings and the rules of the society they are in, which makes the mystery more complex. It's not just about finding the killer, but also about understanding how the setting and society influenced the events.
They can start to establish the conflict. For instance, in '1984', the second line might start to introduce the oppressive atmosphere which is a major part of the overall conflict of the individual against the totalitarian state.
Famous first lines often introduce key themes. Consider '1984' starting with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' This odd time - keeping immediately hints at the dystopian world where things are not as they should be, introducing the theme of a disrupted and controlled society.
Final lines can also leave an open - ended feeling. Consider the last line of 'The Catcher in the Rye' - 'Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.' It makes the reader wonder about the narrator's future and his growth. It adds a touch of mystery and ambiguity to the overall meaning. Moreover, final lines can be a kind of moral or message. Like in 'Animal Farm' where it says 'The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.' This last line drives home the point about how power can corrupt and how the oppressed can become the oppressors, which is a central theme of the novel.
They set a standard for the use of a confined space in mystery. By using an island, she limits the possible locations and suspects, yet still manages to create a complex web of mystery. This makes other mystery writers take note of how to effectively use a restricted setting.